Rotatable Actuator Switching Device for Off-Axis Force Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic musical instruments face sound generation defects due to unstable sensor operation when force is applied off-axis during key pressing, particularly when keys are far from the player or pressed strongly, leading to potential sound generation failures.
Innovation Solution
A switching device with a rotatable actuator and conductive member that connects adjacent electrodes through insulated spaces, allowing for stable sound generation by ensuring electrical connection regardless of force direction, with the spaces extending in a direction between the actuator's rotational shaft and orthogonal direction, which can be inclined between 10° to 80° relative to the rotational shaft direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple sensor-based key detection system is used in electronic keyboard instruments, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is easier, but the reliability of sound generation deteriorates when force is applied off-axis during key pressing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rotatable actuator mechanism that can dynamically adjust its orientation to follow the pressing direction of the key. This dynamic adaptation allows the sensor to maintain proper alignment regardless of whether force is applied perpendicularly or at an angle, thereby maintaining reliable sound generation while keeping the overall structure relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of the actuator from fixed orientation to rotatable orientation. By allowing the actuator to rotate and adapt its angle according to the key pressing direction, the system maintains reliable electrical connection and sound generation stability without requiring a completely complex mechanical structure
2Ease of operation
If keys are positioned far from the player or designed for strong pressing, then the ease of operation is improved for certain playing styles, but the reliability of sensor operation deteriorates due to off-axis force application
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable actuator provides dynamic adaptation to different key pressing scenarios. Whether keys are positioned far from the player or designed for strong pressing, the actuator can rotate to accommodate the resulting off-axis forces, maintaining reliable sensor operation while preserving the desired ease of operation for various playing styles
3Ease of operation
If a hammer mechanism is added to electronic keyboard instruments to approximate acoustic piano touch feeling, then the touch feeling quality is improved, but the device complexity and risk of sound generation defects increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding a complex hammer mechanism, the patent uses a simple rotatable actuator that dynamically adjusts to the pressing direction. This provides sufficient adaptability to maintain reliable operation while avoiding the complexity and potential defects associated with hammer mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the actuator's orientation parameter through rotation rather than adding mechanical complexity. This allows the system to adapt to different pressing conditions and maintain reliable sound generation without requiring a hammer mechanism
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables stable sound generation in electronic musical instruments by ensuring consistent electrical connection between electrodes, even when force is applied off-axis, preventing sound generation defects and ensuring reliable operation across various key pressing scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive member that electrically connects the first electrodes and the second electrode according to operation of the actuator
Implementation Method 2
a second electrode arranged between a pair of the plurality of first electrodes, and insulated from the plurality of first electrodes by a plurality of spaces
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a switching device for an electronic musical instrument, comprising: a plurality of first electrodes that are adjacently arranged; a second electrode arranged between a pair of the plurality of first electrodes, and insulated from the plurality of first electrodes by a plurality of spaces; a rotatable actuator; and a conductive member configured to electrically connect the first electrodes and the second electrode according to rotation of the actuator. The plurality of spaces extend longitudinally in a first direction. The first direction is a direction between a rotational shaft direction of the actuator and a direction orthogonal to the rotational shaft direction.